Today I want to share my experience with an adventure sandbox that surprised me and kept me glued to the PC screen for the last few days. Usually, every time I write an article, I make a preliminary introduction. But this time I will stick to the rules of the game.
And I say that because when you start Core Keeper, the first thing that comes to mind is “what the hell happened?” One minute you were in the game menu and suddenly, seconds after starting the game, you feel like you’ve been thrown into a dark pit with no way out, with only a lantern and a few basic tools. And your character wakes up in a sort of cave where you can’t see anything, and from the first moment you realize that there are no manuals or instructions here: you’re alone. The first instinct is to put torches everywhere (in my case, I may have overdone it a bit, as you can see in the photos below). The lack of a detailed introduction is of course intentional, to quickly immerse you in the exploration.
Speaking of exploration, the world of Core Keeper is vast and full of diverse biomes. You can visit places like the Clay Caves with earthy atmospheres and rock formations. The feeling of digging through layers of earth and discovering new areas is incredibly satisfying. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a vein full of valuable minerals or a secret cave full of treasure.
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Yes. I said treasures. One of the first things that surprised me was the way the game highlights resources. As you dig, the minerals and gems sparkle, making it impossible to bring out the Gollum in you. This makes mining not feel tedious, but more like a constant quest for more and more treasure.
While it’s true that after a few hours of gathering resources, you’ll realize it’s time to build a shelter, this is where Core Keeper really shines. The freedom to design and build your base is impressive. From a simple hut to a complete underground fortress, the possibilities are almost endless.
You use the materials you’ve collected, such as wood and stone, and start experimenting with different combinations. Being able to customize your base is not only fun, but it also gives you a sense of ownership and brings out the materialist in you.
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But it’s not all rosy: as much fun as building is, sometimes the system feels a bit complicated. Especially when it comes to finding the right materials. More than once I found myself desperately trying to figure out how to properly craft a tool or item. And while the complexity adds depth to the game, it can also be frustrating when you’re in the middle of a project and realize a component or material is missing.
Getting back to the positive, one of the aspects that surprised me the most was the kitchen system. Being able to combine ingredients to create different types of meals is a nice touch that adds an extra depth to the dish. I experimented with different combinations of ingredients that I found while exploring, and each food item has an impact on your stats. On a dangerous expedition, preparing a good meal can make all the difference.
Cooking is also a way to experiment with the game, trying out recipes and seeing how they affect your health and energy. While the system is relatively simple, the fact that you can cook meals in the game that give you certain bonuses adds a strategic depth that I wasn’t expecting (and that you don’t usually find in games like this).
Well, now you’re telling me: I’ve already explored, I’ve already built, I’ve already cooked. Now what? Easy! Well, let’s fight! When I felt sufficiently prepared, I decided to take on some of the game’s bosses. Combat is intense and requires both skill and strategy. You’ll face off against creatures that are not only visually impressive, but also have unique attack patterns that will test your skills.
Each boss you defeat not only awards you with valuable loot, but also unlocks new areas and resources. This leaves you wanting more, as each victory brings a sense of progress and discovery. However, grinding (i.e., performing the same tasks over and over again) to gather the materials to summon bosses is sometimes tiring. The amount of resources required can make the game feel monotonous by the end.
On the other hand, exploring new biomes is one of the most exciting parts of the game. Each area has its own aesthetic and challenges. From the Desert of Beginnings to the Sunken Sea, each biome feels unique and introduces you to new enemies and resources. For example, when you enter the Desert of Beginnings, you’ll encounter an arid landscape and new creatures you haven’t seen before. Transitioning between biomes not only changes the environment visually, but also introduces new mechanics and resources that enrich the experience.
I think one of the greatest joys of Core Keeper would be co-op play. Unfortunately, I had to play Core Keeper alone, but I think playing with friends would make the experience much more fun and dynamic. Working together on base building, exploration, and combat would make it even more fun.
As for the graphics, Core Keeper’s visual style is a charming mix of pixel art that reminds me of the retro games of my childhood. The choice of colors and dynamic lighting bring each biome to life, creating a vibrant, detailed underground world. The music and sound effects complement the atmosphere perfectly, making for an immersive and immersive experience.
Support for mods and seasonal themed events adds additional replay value, and the ability to mod the game and customize the experience is a huge plus. While integration with third-party mod platforms may be a drawback for some (and some I tried to play didn’t work), the ability to experiment with additional content is a significant plus.
While my experience with Core Keeper has been mostly positive, there aren’t a few challenges or elements I would change. The lack of detailed tutorials can be a hindrance for new players, and the procedurally generated world can make it difficult to find certain artifacts or resources without additional guidance. Additionally, the skill system, while functional, could benefit from more depth and variety to maintain long-term interest.
In short, Core Keeper is a gem in the sandbox genre, offering a rich and varied experience in a fascinating underground environment. Despite some drawbacks, such as grindeo Despite the excessive and somewhat shallow skill system, the game shines in its ability to provide an engaging and entertaining experience.
If you like games that combine exploration, building and combat with a retro feel, Core Keeper is a worthy addition to your collection. With its huge underground world, the possibility of cooperative play and support for mods, the game has great potential to continue to grow and evolve. It is definitely a recommendation for anyone looking for a unique and engaging adventure in the vast depths of Core Keeper.
Grab your pickaxe and get ready for an exciting exploration of the depths!
